Indian women stunned team USA with 4-0 score in Astana

The FIDE World Women's Team Chess Championship is a 10-team round-robin tournament held from 5-14 March in Astana

The tension is growing in the Astana International Financial Centre

Before narrating the chess highlights of the round, it seems appropriate to stress that the organization of a prestigious event as the World Team Chess Championships is not self-evident. It would not take place without the financial support of general sponsor ERG, general partner Samruk Kazyna and partner the AIFC.

Both tournaments are slowly reaching a climate. The seventh round did not produce any real surprise, meaning that the leaders keep control of their dominating positions. Most matches were very close, especially in the open section. Russia had a hard time overcoming the United States of America, but eventually secured victory thanks to Vladislav Artemyev on board 4. Here are his post-game impressions in Russian - . England edged out Egypt and moved to sole second place after India drew against Azerbaijan. The English captain Malcolm Pein nevertheless remains cautious as to their chances of medal - . Details on results and ranking can be found at .

The main match of the women section was clearly the fight for the podium between Russia and Ukraine. Decisive results were achieved on the first two boards. Mariya Muzychuk won a good game for Ukraine against Kateryna Lagno, which she relates in a press conference [ ]. Alexandra Kosteniuk leveled the score against Anna Muzychuk, while both other games were drawn, thus sealing the 2-2 score. Georgia left no chance to the host country and won 3,5-0,5. They catch up Ukraine on shared third place. China won easily against Egypt and has a chance to clinch the gold medal one round before the end, in case of a victory against the US team in round 8. All other results and current standing are available on the official website -